GIFT   OF 


• 


"  BUT  UNTO   YOU  THAT   FEAR   MY   NAME   SHALL  THE   SUN   OF 
RIGHTEOUSNESS  ARISE   WITH   HEALING   IN    HIS  WINGS." 

Malachi,  iv  :  2. 


SUNSHINE 


ON    THE 


PATH 


BY 


KATHARINE   S.  NICHOLS. 


"BUT    UNTO    YOU   THAT    FEAR    MY    NAME    SHALL   THE    SUN    OF 
RIGHTEOUSNESS    ARISE   WITH    HEALING    IN    HIS    WINGS." 

Malachi,  iv  :  2. 


SUNSHINE 


ON    THE 


PATH 


BY 

KATHARINE  S.  NICHOLS. 


EDWAKD    H.   NICHOLS, 

PRINTER   AND    PUBLISHER, 

HAVERHILL,   MASS. 


GOLDEN    MOMENTS. 

There  are  golden  moments  in  every  life ! 
Moments  that  are  with  rich  blessings  rife ; 
May  we  watch  their  coming  as  with  eagle's  eye, 
Sieze  and  use  them  ere  they  pass  us  by. 

They  flit  as  they  come  on  their  golden  wings, 
Leaving  us  sad  amid  brightest  things. 
And  they  bruise  our  hearts  with  regretful  pain, 
For  we  know  these  ne'er  can  come  again. 

The  golden  moment  some  wrong  to  make  right, 
Some  doubtful  matter  make  clear  as  light, 
Perhaps  a  mistake  another  may  feel, 
Or  difference  we  may  timely  heal. 

The  golden  moment,  one  to  help  and  save, 
Who  is  on  the  brink  of  ruin's  grave, 
And  bring  back  to  the  world  of  joy  so  bright, 
Where  hopes  spring  anew  to  make  the  heart  light. 

The  weary,  sad  and  despairing  to  point, 
To  the  Love  that  wounded  hearts  will  anoint, 
To  the  Love  that  forever  will  endure, 
And  peace  and  joy  forever  inure. 


28885G 


4  '' 'SUflSHMi*  *ON   THE   PATH, 


The  golden  moment,  when  we  may  receive 
Good,  transcending  our  power  to  give, 
When  some  heart,  drifting  'tween  doubt  and  fear, 
Hears  Love's  soft  voice  in  our  words  of  cheer. 

The  golden  moment,  when  a  chosen  word, 
Shall  pierce  the  wrong,  like  a  two-edge  sword, 
And  in  the  place  shall  transcendent  shine, 
Faith  in  its  beauty  of  light  divine. 

The  golden  moment  that  appeals  to  the  soul, 
To  receive  God's  stamp  for  the  heavenly  goal, 
When  destiny  as  held  by  a  hair, 
Nor  waits  for  the  wherefore,  the  when  or  where. 

The  golden  moment  with  its  two-fold  room, 
Freighted  with  live  or  with  endless  doom, 
May  we  heed  and  hold,  nor  let  it  pass  by, 
For  its  golden  freight  may  give  joy  for  aye. 


SUNSHINE   ON   THE   PATH. 


WAITING. 

As  the  Winter  waits  in  patience, 

For  the  coming  of  the  Spring; 
We  are  waiting  the  evangel 

Of  the  coming  of  the  Lord, 
When  from  out  their  prison  portals 

Our  glad  hearts  will  leap  and  sing 
In  the  rapture  of  His  nearness, 

And  fulfillment  of  His  word. 

As  the  sparkling  running  water, 

Flowing  neath  frost's  chilly  sway, 
Waits  the  warm  breath  of  the  south  wind, 

The  hard  icy  robe  to  thaw; 
So  we  are  waiting  for  the  warm  breath 

Of  God's  love  to  melt  away, 
The  earthly  bands,  that  confine  us 

With  their  narrow  binding  law. 

Then  our  wings  now  closely  pinioned, 

Will  be  plumed  for  heights  sublime, 
And  above  sin  and  its  seeming, 

We  will  happy  soar  away, 
From  the  changing,  sorrow  laden, 

Ever  care-filled  hours  of  time, 
To  God's  presence  in  the  clear  light 

Of  His  fair  Immortal  day. 


6  SUNSHINE  ON   THE  PATH. 


IF   IN   THEE,  I    LIVE. 

If  in  Thee,  I  live, 

O  Christ,  my  all  and  all; 
If  in  Thee  I  live, 

Nothing  great  or  small, 
Will  me  distress. 

If  in  thee,  I  live, 
Savior,  my  all  in  all; 

If  in  Thee  I  live, 
All  things  great  or  small, 
Will  give  my  rest. 

If  in  Thee,  I  live 

O  Lord,  my  all  in  all; 
If  in  Thee  I  live, 

Thee,  will  I  extol 

Through  all  Eternity. 


SUNSHINE  ON   THE   PATH. 


HEED   NOT  THE   WORLD. 

What  to  you  is  the  world's  opinion  ? 

The  world  that  is  fickle  and  vain, 
What  to  you  is  its  frown  or  favor  ? 

It  neither  helps  nor  harms  in  the  main. 

It  has  no  power  to  judge  you  rightly, 
For  your  acts  to  it,  only  seem — 

Your  faults  it  will  see,  but  your  best  deeds, 
Either  good  or  ill  it  may  deem. 

Then  heed  not  its  praise  or  its  censure, 
But  still  wisely  pursue  your  way, 

With  some  good  and  earnest  endeavor 
Wrought  in  with  the  hours  of  each  day. 

And  your  hearts  will  beat  to  their  measure, 
And  thus  in  the  best  way,  grow  strong, 

So,  rightly  performing  each  duty, 

Heed  not,  if  the  world  count  you  wrong. 

For  time,  all  the  truth  will  show  clearly, 
And  all  doubtful  things  will  make  plain; 

And  reward  will  follow  right  doing, 
As  the  sunshine  follows  the  rain. 


SUNSHINE  ON   THE   PATH. 


GOLDEN    OPPORTUNITIES. 

They  come  when  hearts  in  fervent  love 
Seek  God's  great  power  the  world  to  move, 
For  good  of  man  in  what  e'er  place, 
Or  way,  shall  benefit  the  race. 

Rushing,  as  with  the  fitful  breeze, 
Unlooked  for,  come  to  ruffle  ease, 
Golden  chances,  when  word  or  deed 
May  deftly  fill  some  pressing  need. 

For  words  of  cheer  may  lift  mankind 
To  better  state  of  heart  and  mind: 
And  deeds  may  free  from  crushing  cares; 
Then,  sunny  hopes  spring  unawares. 

And  faith  in  God's  sweet  love  will  lead 
To  higher  trust  in  time  of  need, 
And  clearly  mark  the  better  way 
To  use  the  hours  of  life's  short  day. 

They  come  not  oft  in  pomp  and  show, 
And  brilliant  in  golden  glow; 
But  with  a  shriveled  look  of  blight, 
And  shadows,  as  of  deepest  night. 

But  ever  to  our  hearts  they  come, 
Praying  for  help  to  higher  room, 
And  if  we  meet  their  just  demand, 
They  lift  us  to  a  higher  stand. 


SUNSHINE   ON   THE   PATH. 

Where  'er  a  deed  for  good  is  done, 
To  aid  the  many,  or  needing  one, 
Comes  ever  back  to  him  who  gives, 
Good,  great  as  his,  who  it  receives. 

They  sometimes  come  with  glint  so  bright, 
They  dazzle  with  uncertain  light, 
And  while  we  wait  their  worth  to  know, 
And  be  assured,  they  slip  and  go. 

If  false  ne'er  gleamed,  as  gleams  the  true, 
No  doubt  could  come  to  dim  our  view, 
Tis  well,  when  we  have  power,  at  glance, 
To  know  the  golden  freighted  chance, 

And  quickly  grasp  it,  and  thus  save 
And  launch  some  ship,  upon  the  wave 
Of  flowing  time,  with  golden  ore 
To  bless  the  world  forevermore. 


10  SUNSHINE  ON   THE  PATH. 


SUPPLICATION. 

Pour  on  us  thy  spirit, 

We  pray  Thee,  Lord  of  light; 
In  ever  flowing  measure, 

To  illumine  our  night. 

Pour  it  out  in  full  showers,— 
Let  it  fall  as  spring  rain, 

Falls  in  bleak  and  dry  places, 
Over  hillside  and  plain. 

And  let  each  full  streamlet 
As  with  love-pointed  dart, 

Come  to  pierce  and  soften 
Each  sin-weary  heart. 

Lord,  pour  out  thy  spirit, 
While  thy  saints  pray  to  Thee 

Pour  it  out  graciously, 
Rich,  bounteous  and  free. 


SUNSHINE   ON   THE   PATH.  II 


O  TRUST   SAD    HEART. 

Ah,  in  vain,  O  sad  one,  may  you  try, 
To  walk  in  your  weakness,  alone; 

For  your  weight  of  dull  sorrow  and  pain, 
Is  too  great  by  you  to  be  borne. 

For  no  strength  of  yours  can  avail, 
O  heart  bereft,  bleeding  and  torn; 

In  distress  deep,  dark  and  disparing, 
Or  make  your  sad  way  less  forlorn. 

O  lift  your  eyes,  and  see  your  help  near; 

For  the  Beauteous  one  above 
Now  bending  o'er  you,  tenderly  calls— 

"  Lean  on  me,  O  child  of  my  love." 

O  trust  Him,  sad  heart,  then  all  darkness 
'Neath  the  light  of  His  love  will  flee; 

His  strength  and  love  precious  will  help  you, 
His  grace  all-sufficient  will  be. 


12  SUNSHINE   ON   THE   PATH. 


LIFT  THINE  EYES,  O  LIFT  THINE  EYES." 

O  let  us  lift  our  eyes 

Above  the  world  with  night, 
To  the  beautiful  hills 

Of  celestial  light. 

See  the  changing  shades 

On  the  verdure  that  falls, 
And  list  to  rhythmic  strains 

In  their  low  soft  calls. 

Of  music  seraphic 

That  floats  through  the  bright  halls 
Mid  wonderful  splendors 

Of  the  jasper  walls. 

See  the  joy  giving  glories 

Of  the  realms  of  light 
Where  pain  enters  not, 

And  there  is  no  night. 

We  lift  our  eyes,— 

And  our  vision  clears,— 
They  open  in  large 

And  wider  spheres. 

Then  falls  off  the  veil, 

Which  covers  the  strife, 
With  burdens  and  cares, 

That  narrow  our  life. 


SUNSHINE  ON   THE   PATH. 


We  lift  our  eyes 

And  they  open  in  light :- 
WHERE  no  clouds  roll  by 

That  can  dim  our  sight. 

To  heaven's  fair  hills 

We  lift  our  glad  eyes, 
Above  the  gold  stars, 

In  the  vaulted  skies. 

To  radiant  hills 

Far  reaching  in  length— 
The  wonder  bright  hills, 

"Whence  cometh  our  strength.'' 

O  how  sweet  to  know 
Our  loved  we  shall  see ; 

On  the  beautiful  shore 
Of  the  crystal  sea. 

With  Love,  who  is  life, 
Of  this  evergreen  shore; 

Mid  His  fairest  glories 
To  rest  evermore. 


14  SUNSHINE  ON   THE  PATH. 


MY   LORD    IS   MY   LOVE. 

My  Lord  has  his  mountains  of  glory, 

Bright  rose  peaks  that  melt  in  white  glow; 

My  Love  tells  a  wonderful  story, 
Of  His  wonderful  love  below. 

My  Love  in  His  mountains  of  glory, 

Has  green  valleys  between  the  bright  hills; 

And  gardens  of  wonderful  roses, 
With  silvery  white  lisping  rills. 

My  Love  in  his  mountains  of  glory, 

Has  people:  O  radiantly  fair ! 
Beautiful  as  the  dawn  of  the  morning, 

In  the  glory  of  the  ambient  air. 

O  I  love  my  Love  for  his  story, 

More  sweet  than  the  tenderest  hymn, 

Ever  sung  by  the  stars  of  the  morning, 
When  his  ransomed  are  wafted  to  Him. 

O  I  love  my  Love  for  his  story, 

O  I  love  my  Love  for  his  love; 
Whose  bright  wings  shall  bear  me  away, 

To  His  mountains  of  glory  above. 

O  wonderful  Love !  how  it  melts  me, 
A  star  in  His  bright  glory  crown, 

He  will  hold  me  through  all  His  long  ages, 
As  God  will  hold  all  His  own. 


SUNSHINE  ON   THE   PATH. 


CAN    I    FORGET  THEE? 

Can  I  forget  Thee,  my  Lord  and  my  God, 

Who  fashioned  my  soul, 

E're  the  spheres  that  roll, 
Or  the  arching  blue  sky,  or  the  earth's  green  sod  ? 

Can  I  forget  Thee,  O  Infinite  Love, 

Who  in  Thee  have  part, 

Made  after  Thy  heart, 
And  heir  to  the  fadeless  glory  above  ? 

Can  I  forget  Thee,  who  formed  me  Thine  own, 

A  spark  from  Thyself,— 

As  life  of  my  life, 
And  Thine  to  be  through  all  eternity  known  ? 

Can  I  forget  Thee,  who  ever  bounds  my  ways, 

And  my  every  move, 

Leads  and  guides  my  love, 
And  crowns  with  its  sweetness  my  saddest  days  ? 

Can  I  forget  Thee  ?    O  let  it  not  be ! 

Let  me  live  in  Thy  sight, 

Let  me  joy  in  Thy  light 
And  never,  O  never !  dear  Lord  forget  me. 


16  SUNSHINE   ON    THE   PATH. 


THEY  THAT  TRUST  IN  THE  LORD  SHALL  BE  AS 
IVlT.  ZlON  WHICH  CANNOT  BE  REMOVED." 

'Gainst  storied  Asia's  eastern  sky, 

Mt.  Zion  stands  uprising  high; 

Its  base  laid  deep  within  the  earth 

Where  mountain  masses  have  their  birth: 

Stronger  than  strongest  work  of  man; 

Stronger  in  God's  Almighty  plan 

For  Israel,  His  chosen  race, 

Here  worshipped  in  this  sacred  place. 

As  lifts  this  mount  in  mighty  power 
High  o'er  Jerusalem's  temple  tower; 
Its  far  length  reaching  by  the  side 
Of  sacred  mountains,  high  and  wide; 
Its  width  unmeasured,  vast  and  grand, 
And  firmly  stands  by  God's  decree, 
Spread  on  Judea's  hallowed  land; 
Abiding  still,  while  ages  flee. 

So,  firm  and  strong,  and  largely  grand, 
Shall  he,  who  loves  the  Lord  e'er  stand; 
He  who  with  all  his  heart  shall  trust, 
The  Lord,  the  Infinite,  the  Just. 
O  promise  great,  love-filled  and  sure, 
That  lifts  us  o'er  the  seas  of  fear, 
Make  strong  our  hearts  in  trust  and  love, 
Till  us,  no  worldly  power  can  move. 


SUNSHINE   ON    THE   PATH.  17 


"HE  WATCHING  OVER  ISRAEL,  SLUMBERS  NOT, 
NOR  SLEEPS." 

When  some  troops  of  dismal  shadows 

With  dark  wings  from  out  the  deeps 
Of  dispairing,  leaden  sorrows; 

And  darkening  gloom  o'er  us  creeps; 
Then  our  fears  pile  up  like  mountains 

In  deep  folded  cloudy  heaps; 
Yet,  while  trembling  with  our  terror, 

We  will  trusting  turn  our  steps, 
To  "Him,  watching  over  Israel 

Who  slumbers  not,  nor  sleeps." 

When  through  rifts  of  rayless  sorrow 

Hope's  light  bursts  in  starry  glints; 
Then  our  fears,  like  snowy  day-clouds, 

Sail  away  in  sunny  fleets, 
And  our  heart  consuming  terrors 

Flit  away  to  shady  deeps; 
Then  grows  our  power  of  love  and  trust, 

With  the  new-found  strength  it  reaps 
From  "Him,  watching  over  Israel, 

Who  slumbers  not,  nor  sleeps." 

So,  His  sweet  love  great  and  wonderous 

Reveals  to  us  new  phases; 
And  joy  then  pours  in  like  sunlight 

When  a  sadness  o'er  us  creeps, 
And  sweet  peace,  sits  brooding  dove-like, 

Waiting  on  our  forward  steps, 
As  we  in  new  hope  and  gladness 

Climb  radiant  mountain  steeps 
To  "Him,  watching  over  Israel, 

Who  slumbers  not,  nor  sleeps." 


SUNSHINH   ON   THE   PATH, 


"AS    PANTS   THE    HART." 

As  pants  the  hart  for  cooling  streams, 
When  summer's  sun  rains  heated  beams 
All  through  the  yellow  sultry  noons, 
And  honey  bees  drone  low  their  tunes, 

So  pants  my  soul,  O  Lord  for  streams 
Of  mercies  great,  hid  in  the  beams 
Of  love,  that  flow  in  wonderous  gleams 
Throughout  thy  boundless  glory-realms. 

As  pants  the  the  hart  for  water  sweet 
When  through  the  wilds,  he  bounding  fleet, 
Finds  place  secure  from  heated  race, 
From  hounds  and  hunters  in  the  chase, 

So  pants  my  soul,  O  Lord  for  Thee 
Longs  to  be  like,  and  in  Thee,  be; 
O  let  Thy  love,  abound  in  me, 
With  its  exalting  mystery. 

As  pants  the  hart  for  cooling  streams, 
Where  grasses  grow,  and  wood-bird  sings, 
In  the  bosky  dell's  cool  shaded  nooks, 
Where  rippling  flow  the  murmuring  brooks, 

So  pants  my  soul  for  living  grace; 
Lord,  own  me,  when  I've  run  my  race; 
Own  me  when  called  before  Thy  face; 
O  be  Thou  then,  my  hiding  place. 


SUNSHINE   ON   THE   PATH.  19 


SABBATH    MORN. 

Morn  of  beauty !  morn  of  light ! 
Morn,  with  every  blessing  rife, 
Breathing  peace,  and  joy,  and  love, 
From  the  bright,  fair  hills  above. 

Morn,  when  my  Redeemer  rose ! 
Glorious  morning !  thee,  He  chose 
To  sanctify,  and  make  the  best,— 
Emblem  of  His  perfect  rest. 

Blessed  morn,  foretelling  bliss, 
In  a  better  world  than  this ! 
I  long  for  thy  coming  light, 
With  an  ever  new  delight. 

Hallowed  morn  !     Bless  God  for  thee  ! 
May  my  life,  from  henceforth  be 
Holier,  for  thy  beaming  ray, 
As  I  press  on,  to  Heavenly  day. 


20  SUNSHINE   ON   THE   PATH. 


HE   SLUMBERS   NOT. 

"  He  slumbers  not,"  no  sweeter  sound 

On  troubled,  anxious  ears, 
And  trembling  hearts  could  ever  swell, 
Soothing  and  repressing  fears. 
"He  slumbers  not, 
Who  watcheth  over  Israel." 

"He  slumbers  not!  "  what  loving  thought, 

What  tender  constant  care 
Mercy  and  grace,  these  words  e'er  tell; 
Untiring  love,  great  as  rare — 
"He  slumbers  not, 
Who  watcheth  over  Israel." 

"He  slumbers  not  ?"  He  watching  sees 

And  bears  us  in  His  arms 
From  baneful  ills  and  dangers  fell, 
Tenderly  away  from  harms;  — 
"He  slumbers  not, 
Who  watcheth  over  Israel." 

"He  slumbers  not,"  O  wonderous  love, 

Let  Thou  this  heart  of  mine 
Lean  on  Thee,  and  in  Thy  love  dwell, 
And  be  forever  Thine, 

"Who  slumbers  not, 
But  watcheth  over  Israel." 


SUNSHINE  ON   THE   PATH.  21 


FAITH. 

There  is  a  beautiful  city, 

Of  marvelous  walls  and  towers; 
And  glorious  light  beams  within 

Its  beautiful  golden  doors. 

"Without  hands  this  city  is  made," 

Is  said  in  His  holy  word, 
By  the  Maker  of  all  the  worlds, 

Who  is  our  God  and  our  Lord. 

I  have  never  beheld  this  city, 
Or  gazed  on  its  jeweled  walls; 

Nor  have  seen  the  light  which  forever 
In  glory  shines,  through  its  halls. 

But  I  shall  see  the  fair  city 
And  throne  of  the  great  I  Am, 

When  my  heart  is  white  as  the  snow 
Washed  in  the  blood  of  the  lamb. 


22  SUNSHINE   ON   THE   PATH. 


THANKSGIVING. 

O  Lord,  Thy  listening  ear, 
Wilt  Thou  bend  low,  to  hear 

The  thanks  we  humbly  give, 
For  all  Thy  friendly  cheer, 

Of  the  past  happy  year, 
Thou  willed  us  to  receive  ? 

O  deign  Thou  to  come  near;- 
Wifh  love  is  reverent  fear — 

We  long  in  Thee  to  live; 
If,  as  to  us  is  meet, 

We  humbly  at  Thy  feet 
Bring  all,  wilt  Thou  forgive  ? 

We  gladly  bring  Thee  here, 
Anew  to  Thee,  this  year, 

Our  thanks  for  mercies  past; 
Let  Thy  love  ever  near, 

Thy  love  each  day  more  dear, 
And  blessings  with  us  last. 

With  gratitude  we  bow, 

Again  before  Thee  now, 
Our  hearts  abashed  by  sin; 

O  make  them  clean  we  pray, 
Spotless  and  pure,  this  day 

Let  new  light  enter  in. 

The  debt  of  love  to  see, 

We  ever  owe  to  Thee, 
And  thanks  through  all  our  days, 

For  our  much  needed  strength, 
And  blessing  of  good  health, 

Thanks  mingling  with  our  praise. 


SUNSHINE   ON   THE   PATH.  23 


I    LOVE   TO   WAKE. 

I  love  to  wake  in  early  day, 
When  birds  carol  their  morning  lay; 
IVly  longing  heart  upward  to  raise, 
In  supplicating  PRAYER  and  praise. 

I  love  to  trust  God's  loving  grace, 
That  keeps  me  safe  in  every  place  ;- 
And  when  my  eyes  with  tears  are  dim, 
He  draws  me  NEARER,  then,  to  Him. 

I  love  to  feel  His  presence  near, 
Then  I  am  strong  and  know  no  fear; 
My  sin-bruised  heart  lay  at  His  feet, 
For  Him  to  heal  AND  make  complete. 

I  love  to  know  that  I  may  lean, 
With  perfect  faith  on  Him  unseen- 
To  know  He  leads  me  as  He  will, 
In  me  His  PURPOSE  to  fulfill. 


24  SUNSHINE   ON   THE   PATH. 


THE    RIGHT  WAY   IS  THE   BEST   WAY. 

The  right  way  is  the  best  way, 

And  may  it  be  our  delight, 
To  walk  its  path  unswervingly, 

With  pleasure  in  its  light. 

The  right  way  is  the  best  way, 
And  praiseful  will  be  our  song; 

When  we  seek  with  best  endeavor, 
To  shun  the  ways  of  wrong. 

The  right  way  is  the  best  way, 
And  there  glows  a  loving  light, 

Over  all  its  roughest  places, 
When  hearts  are  in  the  right. 

The  right  way  is  the  best  way, 
Though  shadows  may  dim  our  sight, 

That  are  thrown  across  its  pathway, — 
Morning  breaks  after  night. 

The  right  way  is  the  best  way, 
And  dun  clouds  will  scatter  soon, 

When  o'er  us  love-laden  truth's  light 
Sweeps,  with  breath  of  flower  bloom. 

The  right  way  is  the  best  way, 
May  our  faith  in  it  increase! 

Our  acts  and  ways  of  well-doing, 
For  our  race  never  cease. 


SUNSHINE  ON   THE   PATH. 


LET   US    LABOR   FOR  THE    RIGHT. 

With  undaunted  resolution, 

Let  us  labor  for  the  right 
Our  hearts,  both  true  and  strong! 
Nor  ever  suffer  wrong 
With  the  bold  sturdy  throng 

Of  our  energies  to  mingle: 

But  in  the  clear  strong  light 
Which  is  given  to  each  heart: 
Let  us  act  well  our  part, 
And  hurl  with  strength,  the  dart 

Of  truth  against  the  tide  of  error, 

With  all  our  life-given  might. 

And  with  courage,  firmer,  stronger,— 
As  we  see  with  clearer  sight, 

Evil  boldly  walking, 

With  its  legions  flocking, 

All  our  efforts  mocking, — 
Let  us  breast  this  tide  of  evil, 
Though  we  suffer  for  the  right: 

As  a  strong  stately  bark, 

Through  the  lone  starless  dark, 

Bears  onward  to  its  mark, 
Firmly  breasting  winds  and  billows 
Though  it  loses  strength  in  fight. 


26  SUNSHINE   ON   THE   PATH. 


And,  till  earthly  life  is  ended, 
Let  us  labor  for  the  right! 
Nor  ever  may  we  shrink, 
Nor  let  our  spirits  sink, 
But  boldly  do  and  think: 
Although  assailed  by  menace,  dark, 
We  will  put  all  fear  to  flight, 
And  with  new  strength,  unbend 
All  forces,  which  may  tend 
God's  holy  truth  to  send 
O'er  all  the  world,  till  every  place 
Is  filled  with  heavenly  light. 


SUNSHINE  ON   THE   PATH.  27 


A  THOUGHT. 

The  bright  color-glow,  that  streams  o'er  the  hills, 

In  the  dewy  and  rose  tinted  dawn, 
Painting  sky,  and  the  clouds,  lakes,  rivers  and  rills, 

Melts  into  the  sun-gilding  morn. 

Morn  sweet  with  the  buds  of  opening  flowers, 
And  breezes,  that  through  the  woods  play, 

Song  of  bird  and  stream,  of  new  life  in  the  hours, 
All  mingle  their  sweets  in  the  day. 

So,  fair,  pure  and  sweet,  as  a  rare  gem  comes, — 
And  brighter  than  the  rosiest  dawn, — 

Child-life  to  the  world  of  our  human  home;  — 
A  breath  from  the  portals  of  heaven. 

And  there  gleams  soft  rays  of  its  glory 
In  the  bright  dimpled  face  of  the  child, 

As  in  dream  of  some  phase  of  its  story, 
When  the  eyes  beam  benignant  and  mild. 

Rays,  that  fuse  into  the  free  joyous  hours, 
Which  hallow  the  best  days  of  youth, 

Exuberance,  softens,  as  dew  on  the  flowers — 
A  halo  to  grace  their  gay  mirth. 

From  life's  dawn,  through  its  morn  and  its  noontime, 
Filled  with  hopes  that  drive  away  tears; 

The  bright  sweetness  of  joy  like  the  sunshine — 
All  mingle  and  melt  in  the  years. 

As  the  sun  gives  the  varied  rich  beauty, 
And  bright  charm  to  the  hours  and  days, 

So,  love  to  our  life  gives  grace  to  each  change; 
All  delight  of  life's  joys  in  its  lays. 


28  SUNSHINE   ON   THE   PATH. 


TO-DAY. 

For  the  completeness  of  to-day. 
Bring  in  no  pang  of  yesterday ; 
Nor  a  shade  of  sadness  borrow, 
From  the  great  unborn  to-morrow. 

Sift  the  bright  sun-gleams  through  the  hours, 
Abundant,  rich,  as  summer  showers; 
Sift  them  shimmering  through  our  sadness, 
Fill  the  day  with  joy  and  gladness. 

Let  June's  sunshine  glow  in  the  heart, 
Strengthening  us  to  bear  our  part 
Of  life's  ills  we  cannot  prevent; 
Trusting  ever  with  sweet  content. 

So  fill  to-day  with  a  sweet  grace, — 
And  fill  it  well — our  destined  place; 
Fill  it  well  with  good  endeavor, 
Climbing  heights  of  wisdom  ever. 


SUNSHINE   ON   THE   PATH.  29 


QUESTIONS. 

With  the  past  day's  down-going  sun, 
What  deed  of  kindness  hast  thou  done  ? 

What  heights  of  knowledge  hast  thou  climbed  ? 
What  treasures  gained,  to  store  thy  mind  ? 

What  wisdom  sought,  that  better  part, 
Which  will  enrich,  both  mind  and  heart  ? 

What  self-denying  has  been  thine, 
Thy  heart  to  purify,  and  refine  ? 

What  seed  sown  from  the  tender  story, 
Of  our  Lord, — to  reap  in  glory  ? 

Hast  thou  so  borne  thy  every  cross, 
That  all  was  gain,  with  no  sad  loss  ? 

Canst  bear  these  probing  questions  well, 
And  search  thy  heart  the  truth  to  tell  ? 

Canst  say  with  help  of  grace  divine, 
"I  have  done  well,"  this  part  of  mine  ? 


SUNSHINE  ON   THE   PATH. 


THE   DEVOTEE,  AND   HER   VOW. 

Strong  faith  untiring  ever  sits 
In  some  deep  recess  of  her  heart; 
While  she  broods  o'er  and  learns  her  part. 
And  love's  soft  light  she  there  admits. 

"Must  I  endure  this  test  of  love! — 
To  bind  myself,  was  my  own  will; 
All  promises  he  will  fulfill, 
Whose  heart  is  true;  this,  he  will  prove. 

Why  do  I  shrink  within  myself, 
Sure,  I  must  keep  my  conscience  clear, 
And  nurture  no  weak,  abject  fear." 
So  did  she  reason  with  herself. 

Then  melts  her  heart  in  fervent  prayer, 
That  sooths  away  her  chilling  fears; 
And  eyelids  wet  with  her  salt  tears 
She  dries  anew,  with  courage  rare. 

Sweet  trust  then  calmly  lights  her  brow, 
As  she  pursues  her  even  way, 
Her  night  of  pain  is  lost  in  day; 
When  she  with  love  fulfills  her  vow. 

And  peace  comes  in  with  restful  feet, 
To  fill  her  heart  in  larger  store, 
Then  of  its  good  she  knew  before, 
And  makes  her  life  with  it  replete. 


SUNSHINE  ON   THE   PATH. 


0  LORD,  BE    NEAR! 

O  Lord,  let  Thy  love,  . 

In  me  abound 
May  I  with  Thee, 

Be  ever  found. 

O  Lord,  be  near ! 

Let  Thy  sweet  grace 
Ere  fill  my  heart; 

In  all  Thy  good 
Let  me  have  part 
O  Lord,  be  near ! 

And  let  that  trust, 
Which  knows  no  fear 

Within  my  heart 
Each  day  appear. 
O  Lord,  be  near ! 

Thy  promise  does 

In  me  inspire, 
A  faith,  perfect, 

Strong  and  entire. 
O  Lord,  be  near ! 

Though  dark  surround 

Me,  like  a  veil, 
My  strength  in  Thee, 

1  shall  prevail. 

O  Lord,  be  near ! 

Hope,  that  with  day, 
The  incoming  day, 

Shadows  will  pass 
With  night  away. 
O  Lord,  be  near ! 


32  SUNSHINE   ON   THE   PATH. 


THE   SHEPHERD. 

When  the  morning  breaks  on  the  hills, 
The  shepherd  with  crook  is  seen; 

And  he  leads  by  the  running  brooks 
Into  pastures  fair  and  green, 

The  flock  which  he  carefully  guards; 

His  tender  lambs  and  his  sheep, 
O'er  the  grassy  hills  he  leads  them 

Or  up  o'er  the  mountains  steep. 

He  watches  them  through  the  daylight, 
As  they  wander  far  and  wide, 

But  calls  them  up  to  the  shelter 
In  the  fold  at  eventide. 

Gathers  them  in  as  he  counts  them, 

And  carefully,  one  by  one, 
Again  looks  them  over  and  counts 

To  be  sure,  they  all  have  come. 

If  one  little  lamb  is  missing, 
If  one  sheep  has  gone  astray; 

With  crook,  and  his  scarf  around  him, 
Goes  back  in  nights'  misty  grey. 

Climbs  o'er  the  craggy  mountains, 
And  listening,  while  he  calls;  — 

Calls  to  the  lone  little  lost  one,- 
And  the  sound  goes  over  the  walls, 


SUNSHINE   ON    THE   PATH. 


Where  he  hears  a  faint  low  bleating, 

Down  under  a  rocky  swell; 
And  the  lamb  lays  bruised  and  bleeding 

Among  the  rocks  where  it  fell. 

Tenderly  the  shepherd  lifts  it, 

And  bears  it  safe  in  his  arms, 
Through  the  damp  and  misty  darkness, 

Away  from  all  midnight  harms. 

So  Christ,  the  Good  Shepherd,  His  children, 

He  lovingly  calls  His  lambs,  — 
When  they  stray  o'er  the  world's  cold  mountains, 

Protects  them  from  destroying  harms. 

Calls  them  from  the  wild's  grim  shadows, 

The  treacherous  marsh  and  fen,  — 
If  they  list,  and  hopeful  turn,  pleading,  — 

Draws  them  to  his  arms  again. 


34  SUNSHINE   ON   THE   PATH. 


ONWARD. 

Ever  onward  be  our  watchword 
While  the  hills  of  life  we  climb; 

No  weary  stay,  or  slow  delay, 
Till  we  scale  the  heights  sublime. 

And  ever  do,  while  we  pursue, 
Things,  that  make  our  nearts  expand; 

And  open  wide  to  pity's  side, 
Seeking  light  on  every  hand. 

The  bugle  call  for  deeds  from  all, 
Should  never  sound  unheeded; 

Where  none  may  wait,  or  be  too  late, 
When  work  from  each  is  needed. 

Though  we  may  pall  at  duty's  call, 

Trials  should  be  met  suavely; 
Let's  forward  go,  and  thereby  show, 

All  things  may  be  met  bravely. 

With  hearts  made  strong  by  hate  of  wron£, 
We  grasp  the  love  of  goodness, 

As  up  the  grade  in  sun  or  shade, 
Our  footsteps  go  with  fleetness. 

And  through  the  prime  of  flitting  time 
May  we  when  days  seem  shorter, 

Our  heart  and  mind,  yet  growing  find, 
Our  faith  and  love  still  stronger. 


SUNSHINE   ON   THE   PATH. 


And  let  us  greet,  what  e'er  we  meet 
In  all  life's  way  with  gladness, 

If  Love  divine  upon  us  shine, 
And  so  dispel  all  sadness. 

Let's  take  no  track  that  leads  us  back 

But  uburn  our  bridges  after," 
Though  come  to  us,  as  do  to  some, 

Trials  and  sore  disaster, 

Then  we  with  ease  will  conquer  these, 
With  strength  we've  gained  by  growing 

Good  seeking  still,  with  heart  and  will, 
We'll  not  forget  the  sowing. 

So,  still  onward,  ever  upward, 

All  the  best  lies  just  before; 
Though  sunny  past  may  ever  last 

Our  treasures,  now,  we'll  store. 


36  SUNSHINE  ON   THE  PATH, 


STEP   BY  STEP. 

Little  by  little,  the  tiny  grass  seed, 

Through  the  moist  brown  earth,  and  through  the 

dark  mold, 
Pushes  up  a  shoot  to  the  sun's  clear  light, 

Then,  little  by  little,  the  green  blades  unfold. 

Little  by  little,  in  the  opening  spring, 
The  buds  form  and  swell  on  the  forest  trees, 

Till  in  the  soft  air,  and  the  warm  sunbeams, 
They  spread  a  marvel  of  tender,  green  leaves. 

Little  by  little  in  its  own  fixed  way, 
Moves  the  earth  in  its  orbit  around  the  sun, 

And  knows  no  change,  nor  delay  in  its  course, 
But  with  footsteps  silent  moves  steadily  on. 

Thus  move  the  bright  stars  in  heaven's  blue  deep, 
The  great  worlds  on  worlds,  the  far  and  the  near, 

Each  one  in  its  path,  in  its  time  and  way, 
Untiringly  moves  on,  year  after  year. 

In  splendor  of  glory,  the  marshalling  host 
Move  on  with  no  pause,  in  silvery  chime, 

To  the  soft  breathing  of  time's  steady  pulse, 
In  grandeur,  stately,  majestic,  sublime. 


SUNSHINE   ON   THE   PATH.  37 


Step  by  step,  have  great  men  of  all  ages, 
Steadily  labored  through  all  the  long  years; 

They  have  given  to  us,  the  knowledge  thus  gained, 
Through  days,  bright  with  hope,  or  full  of  dull 
fears. 

So,  step  by  step, — the  end  ever  in  view, — 
Must  we  climb  to  things  in  life  we'd  attain, 

As  all  the  most  learned,  before  us,  have  climbed, 
Up  to  their  greatness,  and  enduring  fame. 

And  as,  step  by  step,  is  the  onward  growth 
Of  all  the  great  powers  and  scope  of  the  mind, 

So,  is  the  growth  of  love  and  grace  in  the  soul: — 
So,  have  all  the  wisest  of  the  world  climbed, 

Ever,  day  by  day,  on  the  rounds  of  their  prayers, 

To  the  Author  of  good,  who  lovingly  saith, 
"Come  unto  me."    So,  must  we  mount  to  Him, 
Ever,  step  by  step,  up  the  ladder  of  Faith. 


SUNSHINE  ON   THE  PATH. 


THE   BETTER   WAY. 

When  the  low  and  arid  plain 
Is  yellow  with  the  ripened  grain, 
And  the  dry  and  sunburned  land 
Is  yellow  with  the  scorching  sand. 

When  the  streamlet's  dry  bed  mocks 
The  thirst  of  the  planting  flocks, 
And  leaves  turn  flaccid  on  the  trees 
In  the  hot  and  sultry  breeze. 

When  stifling  grows  the  very  air, 
And  heat  and  dust  are  everywhere; 
Then,  man  turns  his  longing  eyes, 
Where  the  fair  blue  mountains  rise. 

Turns  relieved,  sure,  there  to  gain, 
Antidote  for  heat  and  pain: 
So,  cheerful,  up  the  hilly  way, 
His  footsteps  go  without  delay, 

To  meet  the  fresh  and  cooling  breeze, 
Spiced  with  balsam  of  the  trees, 
And  breath  of  flowers,  which  also  brings 
Bird  songs  on  its  viewless  wings. 

He  finds  a  spring,  and  stops  to  rest, 
Its  clear  water  quaffs  with  zest, — 
Ere  nightfall  seeks  a  mossy  bed, 
Where  he  rest  his  weary  head, 


SUNSHINE  ON   THE   PATH.  39 

And  soon  forgets  the  valley's  heat, 
Mountain  breeze  and  water  sweet, 
For  he  is  dreaming,  happy  dreams 
Bound  in  sleep's  renewing  realms. 

Dreams  of  rest,  where  clouds  and  mist 
Lay  in  the  blue  and  amethyst; 
Where  in  meadows  starred  with  flowers, 
It  falls  in  white  snow-like  showers. 

And  where  it  comes  to  valleys  low, 
From  far-off  hills  crowned  with  snow, 
To  temper  summer's  quivering  heat 
With  its  moist  breath,  cool  and  sweet. 

So,  when  the  fevered  cares  of  life, 
Toils,  burdens,  and  battling  strife, 
Burn  in,  and  sear  the  brain, 
And  heart  is  sick  with  sorrowed  pain, 

We  look  away  in  saddened  stress, 

For  relief  by  change  and  rest, 

And,  where  stars  send  down  softened  light, 

Find  rifts  in  our  gloomy  night. 

Through  openings  in  the  tall  dark  pines, 
Green  with  needles  and  clinging  vines, 
We  see  beyond  a  narrow  way, 
Up  green  hills,  where  footsteps  stray. 

With  eager  haste  we  take  the  path, 
And  upward  go  with  strengthened  faith, 
O'er  Love's  green  and  spicy  hills 
'Mid  cool  nooks  and  shaded  rills. 


40  SUNSHINE   ON   THE   PATH. 

See  flitting  birds  with  plumage  gay, 
And  wild  flowers  blooming  by  the  way, 
Till  new  scenes  open,  as  we  climb 
In  grace  and  grandeur  more  sublime. 

Here  peace  holds  sway  in  troubled  brain, 
And  joy  and  love  in  hearts  of  pain; 
While  glad,  we  up  the  mountain  road 
Go  to  the  higher  hills  of  God. 

Love  lights  the  green  and  flowery  way, 
And  tempers  to  our  need  its  ray; 
So,  let  our  faith  grow  strong  in  Him 
Nor  with  life's  conflict  let  it  dim. 


SUNSHINE  ON   THE   PATH.  41 


SLEEP. 

The  poet  with  art  may  pen  his  fine  dream, 
And  make  grandly  great  his  well-chosen  theme; 
His  pictured  scenes   draw,  as  clear,   strong  and 

bright, 
As  the  sun,  which  through  cloud-rifts,  bursts  on 

our  sight. 

He  may  charm  us  with  songs  in  the  early  morn 
That  like  bird-songs  are  sweetest,  when  day  is 

born, 

And  mingle  the  sunshine,  that  plays  o'er  the  hills, 
With  the  glint  and  sparkle  of  sun-lit  rills. 

And,  as  fresh  as  morn,  when  it  wakes  anew, 
Resplendent  with  beads  of  pearly  white  dew, 
So,  fair  and  glowing,  the  bright  thoughts  may  leap 
From  the  thinker's  brain  refreshed  by  sweet  sleep. 

But,  when  a  student  of  science  and  laws, 
Eager  in  research,  seeks  no  rest  or  pause  ;- 
Though  learned  in  Nature,  he  heeds  not  her  claim, 
And  so  finds  defeat  in  his  highest  aim, 

For  him  to  work  out,  deep  problems  of  thought, 
And    make   statement    clear,    by  way  they  are 

wrought, 

His  brain  must  be  clear,  no  vapors  to  tell 
Of  a  burning  lamp,  when  the  stars  grow  pale. 


42  SUNSHINE  ON   THE   PATH. 


But  he,  who  looks  for  new  worlds,  seeks  the  night, 
While  the  moon  and  stars  are  brilliant  in  light; 
Lost  in  the  greatness  and  grandeur  of  theme, 
Then  night  is  not  his,  to  sleep  in  and  dream. 

Nor,  for  the  artist,  when  springs  in  his  brain, 
Some  new  grace  of  thought,  that  he  would  retain; 
As  when  poet  mounts  in  arts  highest  flight, 
Time,  then  is  for  work,  be  it  day  or  night. 

As  renewed  strength  follows  man's  noblest  thought, 
So   sleep   comes    sweetest,    when    best   he   has 

wrought; 

He  wakes  to  a  sense  of  delight  in  the  hours, 
With  new  faith  and  trust  in  his  untried  powers. 

And,  as  down  the  day  draw  the  shades  of  night, 
So  eye-lids  curtain  our  wearied  sight, 
And  leave  us  to  rest  and  to  pleasant  dreams — 
Our  unconscious  thoughts  in  sleep's  still  realms. 

In  sleep  is  sweet  rest,  we  forget  the  strife, 
With  all  of  the  toil  and  the  cares  of  life; 
Best  blessings  it  guards  in  that  still  deep  well, 
Hides  them,  as  pearls  hide,  in  the  ocean-shell. 

Health  and  happiness,  it  new  to  us  brings; 

And  life's  fresh  fullness  from  the  deep  fountain 

springs; 

So,  nature  teaches,  this  sweet  hope  to  keep 
Of  new  life  to  come,  after  our  last  sleep. 


SUNSHINE   ON    THE   PATH. 


FULFILMENT. 

With  purpose  ever  unswerving, 
Speed  !  oh  my  soul  on  the  way; 

Up  the  steep  path  by  faith  climbing, 
That  leads  to  God's  beautiful  day. 

With  sweet  hope  and  blissful  longing, 
To  see  its  wonderful  light; 

Light,  like  an  ever  new  morning, 
Radiant  after  the  night. 

And  in  His  glorious  presence, 
While  eternity's  cycles  roll, 

Joy  and  rejoice  with  my  Saviour, 
Who  tenderly  loves  my  soul. 


I  YC   161 19 

U.C.BERKELEY  LIBRARIES 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 


